Development Assistance

DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW

The following is an overview of the general development process in Schertz. This overview is intended to guide entrepreneurs and small business owners as they work with development professionals (i.e. architects, engineers, and contractors). The comprehensive set of regulations for development can be found in the Schertz Unified Development Code (UDC), which provides details on topics such as: zoning, design guidelines, permitted uses, parking, landscaping, easements, signage, and more. City development staff are also available to answer specific questions.

The Schertz UDC, along with local adopted building codes, ensures that each project is developed in accordance with city regulations and national building codes.

To better understand each step, click on the expandable tabs below to learn more.

Zoning

Zoning is the regulatory power of cities to control the physical development and land uses for a property. Zoning is the process of diving land into different uses (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial) or zones. Zoning districts are established in accordance with the City’s Comprehensive Land Plan. For business owners zoning districts and regulations define lot sizes and setbacks, parking, landscaping, and which type of businesses may operate within each zone.

Platting

Platting is the process of mapping a property so that it can be sold, combined with another property, or developed. Often, platting involves splitting a large piece of land into smaller pieces called parcels. When a property is platted, roads, utility, and other easements are defined so that the property can receive the services it needs.

Site Plan

A Site Plan is a detailed map that conforms to the Schertz Comprehensive Land Use Plan, UDC, and other City regulations. The site plan identifies the legal property boundary and layout of the proposed site’s improvements. In connection with the site plan, additional documents such as a tree survey, landscaping plan, exterior architectural elevations, traffic impact analysis, preliminary utility plans, preliminary storm water management plan, and a utility confirmation letter are required to confirm that proposed plan meets city regulations.

Development Permits

Development Permits are used by the City to authorize construction projects to proceed. Depending on the type of project, there may be multiple development permits. Permits are required prior to any construction. Examples include clearing and grading permits (required prior to any dirt-work), public infrastructure construction permits (required before constructing roads, wastewater, waterlines, or any other public infrastructure), or building permits (required prior to the placement, construction, or alteration of a building or structure).

Permit Inspections

Permit Inspections are completed by certified city inspectors to ensure that the construction process is completed according to approved construction documents. Inspections help to ensure safety and quality for all construction projects. Additionally, city inspectors verify that contractors completing the work are licensed for their respective trade. Some inspections, such as life fire inspections, occur not only during construction, but also annually to ensure continued safety.

Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy is the confirmation that all work has been completed in accordance with approved plans and city regulations. The certificate of occupancy is issued by the Chief Building Official. The certificate of occupancy is required prior to the occupancy or commencement of business activities in Schertz.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CODES

Development Codes are requirements put in place to ensure safety for employees and the community. The following are adopted codes within the City of Schertz; asterisks (*) indicate those adopted at the state level.

2014 National Electric Code*

2012 International Existing Building Code

2012 International Fire Code

2015 International Energy Conservation Code*

2012 International Plumbing Code

2012 International Fuel Gas Code

2012 International Mechanical Code

2012 International Building Code

Texas Architectural Barriers Code*

American Disabilities Act*

City Flood Ordinance and FEMA Guidelines

City of Schertz Unified Development Code

City of Schertz Municipal Code of Ordinances

PRE-DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS

Pre-Development Meetings are offered as part of our goal to help your project succeed through an understandable and smooth process. These Meetings are intended to assist you with planning your development and to help you navigate the permit process. Meetings can help with troubleshooting/problem-solving and are provided free of charge.

We strongly encourage you to hire a professional to assist you in putting together your development documents. You will work with City plan examiners who are knowledgeable about each step of the development process. Much like a teacher grading an assignment, our plan examiners grade your development plans/documents against the Unified Development Code and current codes.